1 Peter 5:1–14: Humble Yourselves Under God’s Mighty Hand
Introduction
As Peter concludes his letter, he gives special attention to significant features of life in the church. First, he addresses the work of elders who will have charge for shepherding the flock of God in the church. Second, he gives a final summary statement of the primary message of his letter: that believers must trust the Lord in the midst of suffering (here, he attributes our suffering to Satan) as we await the Lord’s provision for our needs. As he concludes this great letter, then, Peter urges us to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand.
Discussion Questions
1. What is the significance of Peter’s describing the elders as “among” the people (vv. 1, 2)? What stands out to you about the way that Peter characterizes his role as a “fellow elder” but also as a unique “witness of the sufferings of Christ” (v. 1)? What does it mean to “shepherd the flock of God” (v. 2)? How do elders “exercise oversight” rightly (v. 2–3)? What is the “unfading crown of glory” (v. 4)? What does Peter mean by his exhortation in v. 5?
2. What does Peter mean when he urges us to humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God” (v. 6a)? What is “the proper time” at which God would “exalt” us (v. 6b)? How is humility connected with casting our anxieties on the Lord (v. 7)? What does Peter warn us about the devil (v. 8)? How do we resist the devil, practically speaking (v. 9)? What comforting promises does Peter give to those who must suffer as they resist the devil (v. 10)?
3. Who is Silvanus (v. 12a)? In what sense has Peter written to these believers “by” Silvanus (v. 12a)? Given all that Peter has written in this letter, what does he mean by “the true grace of God” (v. 12b)? What might it mean for you to “stand firm” in that grace in your life right now (v. 12c)? Why does Peter describe the church in which he finds himself as “at Babylon” (v. 13). What does Peter mean by the “kiss of love,” and how might we apply that today (v. 14).
4. What has stood out to you in this study of 1 Peter? How does Peter’s instructions about suffering address anything you are struggling with right now? In what areas do you need to grow in sober-mindedness and to abstain from the passions of your former ignorance? How does the death and resurrection of Jesus empower you to live according to the grace of the Holy Spirit until Jesus returns in all his glory? What is one thing you want to take away from this letter?
